Keith Strickland Musical artist

Keith Strickland (born October 26, 1953) is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, and one of the founding members of the The B-52s.He was born in Athens, Georgia.Originally the band's drummer, Strickland switched to guitar after the death of guitarist Ricky Wilson in 1985. Strickland also plays keyboards and bass guitar on many of The B-52s recordings, and has occasionally provided backing vocals.Strickland composes the music for The B-52s. "Ricky and I used to write the music together, but now I write the individual instrument parts and arrange the instrumental compositions myself. I'm trying to convey a feeling when I compose," Strickland explains. "I think of my instrumentals as soundscapes - the chord progressions, rhythms, harmonics and musical direction are used to evoke various sonic atmospheres or moods."Strickland came out as gay in 1992.On December 13, 2012, Strickland announced, via the B-52's Facebook page and official website, that while he would remain a member of the group, he would retire from touring.